The Forgotten Kindby HollyBChaptersPrologue1. Clear Memories2. Pitied Waters3. Earthbound Feathers4. Falling Solo5. Greenish Leaves6. The Silenced MagicPrologueCassie woke to the dead of the night. The dead of silence. Huu.. huh..? What woke me up? She looked around the room, blearily nervous. She cried out when her eyes settled on a large dark shape on her desk chair. Her eyes suddenly adjusted to the light and she sighed. Its... its.. just a robe? Ugh. Why are you such a baby? She sighed as tears pooled in her eyes and she ran her hands through her chocolate coloured hair, tugging at it like it were a lifeline. The events of the previous day had bored holes in her mind, and replayed again and again.. and again. No one else is a scaredy cat like you. People were laughing at her. Even her teacher had laughed, making it even worse. she remembered looking up at the picture she drew of a unicorn, hanging up high on a piece of string, masking her shame. Or perhaps, it was the thing conveying it to her. She noticed that her small moon-shaped night light had gone off, and the source of light was the real moonlight flowing in through the open window. Cassie's long white curtains fluttered in the breeze. She froze. I... I never leave my window open, she thought giddily. Is there someone in the house? What if they find me here? What about my parents? She sat there for a while as buzzing, irritating, worrying thoughts surrounded her. Nonononono. She snapped. "Stop!" she cried. To herself? To intruders? Realising what she had done, she shoved her hand over her mouth, and looked around, petrified. She remembered. She remembered shouting at them all. Her kindergarten classmates went silent. The teacher came over to her, said something in a horrible condescending voice. "Unicorns aren't real Cassie. You should know that. Now lets stop this nonsense and go back to colouring." Cassie remembered the stinging of her hand as she slapped the teacher across the face. She remembered the horror on her classmates and friends faces. She remembered the tears running down her face as she ran out of the classroom, out onto the streets and onto the beach. And she remembered the feeling of the silky white fur of the unicorn filly, her unicorn friend she sobbed to that night, until the policemen had finally found her, alone and unconscious on the sand, in the beach cave, with an amulet around her pale neck. She remembered ******* "Cassie, you know it makes me sad whenever you cry.... please stop. Cassie... Cass?" "I'm s-sorry. I.. I just don't k-know what to do. People... they just won't believe me. A-and they think I'm crazy, bu-but they're the crazy ones Temp and... please, I don't know what to do." sniffled Cassie. Tempera Glow lit up. "Cassie! You can come to Equestria with me! Remember? I've told you about this hundreds of times. The castles, the ponies, the food - oh the food! And the pegasi are awesome, and you can come and live with me. It will be amazing! You and me, best buds forever. Right?" "R-right!" Cassie said, brightening. "This could work! Then we'll always be friends! And you won't have to come through here again. I'll be right there!" Tempera nodded happily. "In fact, in honor of our friendship, I am giving you this...." the unicorn said, pulling a rough metal chain off of her thick red mane. "It's really special, and it's hundreds of years old, so you have to be careful with it." "Oh, wow... of course I will Temp. Um..." she said slipping it on, and wondering what to give her. "And this... is for you." she smiled, whipping off her tiny, sapphire laden bracelet, fitting it above Temp's silver hoof snugly. "There." "Best friends? Forever and ever?" whispered Temp. "You mean, best friend until the sun makes our whole entire universe explode?" "Yes, if that's forever." "Then yes. Of course we are." Cassie lent into Tempera, and clutching the warm stone of the amulet, they watched the stars until they fell asleep. ******** She remembered. ******** "Please don't. Please Daddy! I don't want to go..." "Cassandra, stop being so silly. We were worried sick about you. You were gone for hours!" "Where are we going?'' Cassie asked as she was pulled along by her obviously angry parents. ''You're not answering! Where are we going? Mummy? Please...." "We're going to a nice man." was all her mother replied. "No! I want to go back! I don't know where Tempera is! Please-" Her father looked at her angrily. "The unicorn?" "Yes," replied Cassie with mounting panic. "Tempera Glow... I... I need to find her!" Her father' s worry quickly boiled over with rage. "Cassie, open your eyes - there are no unicorns!" her father snarled, as he shoved her into the car. "You need help. We're going now. Stop the nonsense or else." "Daddy, please, she's real! Its true... oh, why won't you believe me? Please!" Cassie lunged for the door, but was too late as her mother locked it and they drove off in a broken, shattered silence. Broken, because Cassie cried. ******** Why wont they understand? I... I know I'm just a kid but... please... just believe me... she thought with tears reaching her cold cheeks. She thought too much. It crowded her head and body and life. She let go of her hair and grabbed the warm black stone on the end of the rough metal chain. It filled her with a beautiful sensation. She blinked, and all of a sudden, she knew what she could do. I'm going. She ran around her room frantically, shoving clothes into a small backpack, her spare one for school. She felt like she was stealing from her parents as she tip-toed down to the kitchen and nabbed food and water, and felt just as bad taking $50 from the spare money jar, that was always under the bathroom sink. What am I doing? Shaking the thoughts out of her head, and clutching the pendant to her chest, with tears freeing themselves onto her face, she clambered out of the window and ran into the darkness, with the moon watching over her. Author's Note This is my first chapter of my first story... how exiting! Please comment, even if you didn't like it. I love comments - they help me so much on my writing! Every comment boosts me towards being a better writer, so thanks if you do! So if you don't get it so far, Cassie believes in unicorns, and has heard of Equestria. That makes her pretty special, but she is strongly misunderstood, and is then taken to a psychologist's session. Cassie is terrified of almost everything, but as you can see, she is whole when she is near Tempera Glow. You will figure out the reason to this later, but for now, NO SPOILERS! :) I am looking for someone that can do a cover and fan art for my story (for free please...). If you think you are up to it, please contact me at either here: http://holleeb.deviantart.com/ or just on my page on this site. Same with an editor - please contact me if you want to edit my stories! Thank you for reading and stay tuned for Cassie's (and possibly Temp's...) return in the next few chapters... 1. Clear Memories7 years later. The alarm woke me up. It screamed into my ear, like it did every morning, until I would have to pretty much break it to get it to stop. Sometimes it won't even stop then. After I had bashed it quiet, I spent about ten minutes just laying there half-asleep. I'm not a particularly lazy person, but this is what always happens on a Monday morning. For me I guess its sort of a ritual. Monday after Monday. As you can guess, I solidly hate Mondays. "Cassiiiiiiieeee!" I bolted upright and yelled "Coming!" Throwing some clothes on, I stopped to see if my phone was charged, shoved it in my pocket, grabbed my backpack (which I had mercifully packed the night before) and ran down the hallway. I arrived in the kitchen in a bit of a mess. With my school shirt crumpled, and my skirt hitched up waaaaay too above my knees, I looked like I had just, well, gotten out of bed... "What the hell Cassie? You were supposed to be ready..." my mother paused and looked at her watch. "A whole half hour ago! Were you asleep again? I keep telling you to put your alar-" "-clock earlier. Yeah I know." "Don't give me that cheekiness. You only know it off by heart because you never get up in the morning. If you wanted to get to school on time, we would have to set your alarm a day earlier than it is..." I heard the bus pull up outside, and started to run out the door. "Wait!" yelled Mum. I pulled up outside. "What?" "Your bag!" my mother said wearily, as she pecked me on the cheek and handed me the bag. "Have a nice day, Hun." "See you..." I groaned awkwardly. I turned around and knew immediately what was going to happen when I got on the bus - the taunting and mocking would begin. I smiled though, because at least I had remembered to pack the nail polish remover, which was to be used at least every week when gum was shoved into my hair. I know, it sounds like the classic bully victim story. And I guess I'm not really a victim. I have a choice in being bullied. But I blew completely it because of the incident I had when I was in kindergarten. And to be honest - I don't want to talk about it, especially since my parents would probably threaten me with a psychologist again. Even so, I fingered my pendent nervously. The white stone on it was always warm, and I always thought I could see swirling colors and silhouettes in it. I mean, when I was little. I'm just not that gullible or dumb anymore - I was way too imaginative when I was a kid. I don't even know where it came from. My dad has asked me to take it off so may times that I just don't even listen anymore. So what if I don't want to part with it? Its just a necklace. I stopped fiddling and hid it back in my shirt as I boarded the bus. The torment began immediately. As soon as the bus started its engine again a girl stood up as I started to walk down the bus isle. Oh crap. Maddie. Just don't even look at her. I thought, panicking. Keep your head low. Just walk right past her and sit down. "Hey Hun." she smirked as I neared her. "Did widdle Cassie forget her wunchbawg agawn today? Oh dear. So forgetful." "Just let me sit down Maddison." I said quietly. "What?" she asked, flicking her long caramel-coloured hair behind her. She was looking down on me. I could tell. "I said let me sit down." I whispered, looking up to face her. "But why-" "Maddison, let me sit down. Now." Huh? Where did that come from... oh no. I should have kept my mouth shut... I thought as Maddie's face started to redden. Her fists were clenched. Oops... "No one interrupts me! Especially you you disgusting piece of-" "Of what?! What Maddie, what?" She looked like she had been slapped. She glared at me. There was hurt in her eyes, and I felt bad for no reason. "No.. one. No one ever calls me.."she spat out the word. "Maddie. Ever." But I really could not stop myself. "Oh. Oopsies. So you gonna go cry to your mummy now are ya?" I snarled. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?! my thoughts screamed. Shes gonna kill us!! Maddie drew back a fist. Her green eyes glinted. "Take that back." "Maddison, I'm sorry okay..."I stuttered, coming to my senses at last. The bus pulled up at the school curb. She put her fist down. She grinned at her bimbo friends, then looked back to me and said, "We'll finish with you later. Now get lost, loser." I practically ran off the bus. ******** "Maddie! Happy birthday!" The little girl squealed as her best friend threw herself into her arms. "Cassie! Did you get me a prezzie? Do you want party food? Wait, I think first you should put that massive present down on the table... is it for me?" "Yup!" "Wow! Its massive!" she ran around it hyperly. "How much did it cost?" "A million dollars." Cassie said matter-of-factly. "Oh my, really? I only have five dollars...." Cassie smiled as she rambled on. Maddie was totally her best friend, after Tempera. Maybe one day she would introduce them to each other. "....but my dad gave me a whole dollar today, so I guess that means that I actually have six dollars... are you getting bored Cass? Lets go outside!" "Okay!" said Cassie, who was starting to zone-out. Maddie grabbed her hand and dragged her out the door into the sunshine. ********* I walked out onto the playground cautiously. I started to head toward the library, as I did most days. I avoided the usual uncertain glares that came my way and yet again stared at the ground. Thunk. Oh dear God.... I thought as I looked at the small pink sneakers I had walked into. "Sorry... Maddison..." "You will be sorry after this, you little turd. How dare you insult me on the bus? You are a mas-" I had looked up during her little speech. She was staring at my neck... huh? All of a sudden, she started to strangle me. "Gagh!" I choked. She had my necklace. I.. I must have left it out of my shirt. "Give it to me! I want it!" she cried. I was struggling, yet everyone on the playground was ignoring me. She glanced over to her friends. "Help me!" she yelled. I was feeling faint, and keeping the necklace on was practically choking me, but I held on just the same. I couldn't let it go. I just couldn't. Why? "Give it to me and nothing will happen! If you don't, we'll hurt you!" I whimpered and splayed my arm out to grab the pendent. I missed, but tried again. This time, I grabbed the stone for a millisecond. Light flashed in my eyes and a wave of power surged through me. "No!"I screamed, and shoved them all away from me. And I ran. ******** "What are you talking about? You have not even told me about this the whole time!" cried Maddie. "Why wouldn't you tell me? I... I thought we were friends. Best friends. Forever, remember?" "Yes, its just... well I've known Temp a lot longer then you, and she was my first best friend-" "So you kept this from me for longer than I could count? So she's your real best friend huh?!" "No Madd, but.. its just.." Cassie stuttered, trying to find the right word to say. "Well if she's your real best friend, then I don't care! You can go play around with her now. Go drown with her in her stupid sea cave why don't you? Just... just" her eyes welled up with tears. "I hate you! I don't ever want to see you again!" "Maddie! Wait..." "And don't call me Maddie. I never want to speak to you ever again!"Maddison cried, her caramel hair blowing in front of her face as she slammed Cassie's front door shut and ran home in the rain. Author's Note Okay. First chapter, over and done with. Phew! Still looking for fan artists and possibly an editor? Contact me if you are up to it! Okay... so Cassie - seven years after the Tempera Glow incident. She has gotten over it pretty well, considering the loss of her other, human best friend, Maddie. And after all that, she is completely shunned at school because of it too. But today, well, she snaps. Flips out. And does a completely Cassie thing - runs. I hope y'all are enjoying the little flashback scenes I have put in there as well. Puzzled about waht happened after the prologue? That's coming up in a chapter eventually. Same as Temp (you missing her yet?) Cassie's day is not going well! Please comment below - I love comments! Also like! (don't forget the like...) Stay tuned till next time! 2. Pitied WatersWith only my feet thudding on the ground and my rasping breath, the streets were silent. I ran and ran, with my backpack thudding against my back. My hair had long ago come out of its elastic, and it was flying like a banner across my back. The wind streamed through it. See her run, its chocolate color called. See her flee. Did I care where I was going? No. I didn't care. Couldn't care. I hate myself. Hate hate hate. When did my life get so out of control? And how come I only noticed it just now? Tears blinded my vision and my heart thudded, eerily fast. Still I ran, through alley ways, across streets full of traffic, through a mall and across parks. I ran and ran and ran. It was so pitiful. I was so pitiful. All of a sudden, I felt a burning sensation on my chest. It was burning. No, scalding. I pulled myself to a stop. My feet crunched on sand. I tripped. Agh! Owowowowow! I screamed silently as the burning intensified. I pulled the pendent out of my shirt. The cause of the horrible burning. There was a small, blistered welt on my cheat already. It stung spitefully, as the pendent started to glow. Stupid neckla- I stopped. I heard the crashing of waves. The smell of the sea salt. The coarse feel of the silky sand beneath me. Oh no. Not here. Anywhere but here. I looked up and winced. Not the beach. "No. Please. Not here." I told the pendent. Great. I thought. You've gotten in a fight, run away from school, again, and now you're talking to a necklace. Just great. Memories filled my head. No. Please no. I shut my eyes as tightly as I could. Nononono. And yet, the name still sprang into my head. The unicorn. Some fake, imaginary unicorn friend, one that I haven't even spoken of for more than six years. The one that ruined my childhood and the rest of my life. "Tempera Glow." I whispered. The pendent started to burn in my hand again. I started to walk, on a path I knew all too well. One I have not even been on for almost seven years. The one to the beach cave. The sand crunched under my shoes. The pendent glowed and burned. I shivered in the afternoon sun. I could see it ahead. It was high tide, so, lifting the hem of my stupid skirt, I waded to the cave, which was above water, but hidden by the steep rock face that towered over it to form Redcliffe Point. It was a secret. Only discovered fully the day the policemen found me, but still mostly kept under wraps to stop it being like, a gang hideout or something. Or where little girls get kidnapped. I stopped at the mouth of the cave. The white gem glowed fiercely. It was time to find out what was real from the beginning. I stepped inside. Memories exploded from me. A six year old me was sitting here, drawing with a white and blue coated, red maned unicorn filly. Here we were again, this time we were talking. And here we were. Exchanging gifts. I looked at the pendant in my hand. Amulet, now. She... she was real. I remembered talking about Cutie Marks; Pegasi. Equestria. I miss you so much. I'm sorry Temp, but why did you never come back? The peace was broken when I heard shouts in the distance. "Caaaaasssssssssssssandraaaa! Cassandra! Where are you?" Oh no. Why here? Already people were looking for me. I can't be caught again. Help me! I screamed silently, turning around on the spot. I looked around frantically for another exit. There had to be one! Why wasn't there an exit? I slipped on a green strand of seaweed still on the floor, still soggy from the last high tide. I cried out, dreading that the people heard it. Calm down! Try to remember... I'm pretty sure I talked about this once... I sat up on the soggy floor and thought back to the time, seven years ago, when I was discussing it with Temp. ******** "How do you get out of here? Is the portal to Equestria in here?" Cassie asked the unicorn thoughtfully. "Yep. Its in here. In the back of the cave, see?" she said, guesturing with her hoof. Cassie saw a shimmering piece of rock. "Is that it? You just walk through it?" "Yep, sure is." Tempera Glow said, swishing her stubby filly tail. "That seems too easy..." said Cassie skeptically. "Well, you also have to either have been to Equestria or have something from Equestria. Its to keep y'know... outsiders away." "Oh. I thought so." ******** It was the only way. I was trapped. I sped along to the wall, and saw it was still sparkling. Would I? Tempera would take me in, if I could find her. That was the original plan. I even had something from Equestria. I held up the glowing amulet. It was meant to be, right? But I never got the chance to ponder that thought, as I heard people walk into the entrance of my cave. I heard my mothers worried voice. She was crying. "She has to be here. Th-this was the cave we found her in when she ran away from school the first time." "Are you sure?" asked a different voice, male this time. "Cassie?" cried my mother. The exact same tone seven years ago. Sounding heartbroken, but also like she couldn't care less at the same time. It was puzzling. But wait, did that mean- Did they ever even want to find me? They walked closer to me. I heard them, and froze. I watched as my mother's eyes widened as she saw me. "Cassie... there you are! Oh thank god you're safe..." she said as she stepped toward me. "I'm so sorry..." I whispered to her. Her face fell. "What do you mean? Cassie...?" I looked at her for a second, wondering. Wondering why. "Not this time." I told her. Without a second thought, I turned around and leaped through the sparkling rock. My hair stood on end. There was a bright flash. What have I done? And I fell into darkness. Author's Note To Equestria! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it. Soooo... Cassie has jut figured out that she could have gone to Equestria all along. Hmmm. Smart. I need an editor... desperate... xD But - Equestria next chapter! Yay! I'm writing it now. I'm so exited!!!!! *squeals* Please comment and like... I would appreciate it so much ^^ Stay tuned! 3. Earthbound FeathersI woke up on the silvery sand of a beach. The waves washed over me lazily and the water was cold; sweet, crisp salt air wafted through my nostrils - it smelt weird. Clearer maybe? I guess that made no sense. Everything was beyond sense though. Because I had made it. I was pretty sure I had finally made it into Equestria. At first, all I could do was stare up at the night sky. The moon was white as silk, and the light it produced was incredible. The stars shone strongly, so much so that I could see their full shapes, glowing in the darkness. The air was warm and fresh; weird for an early spring night. Breezes ran over me, chilling me to the bone where the salt water was washing over me. I had to get up, otherwise I might drown. The night was low tide wasn't it? Is it low tide here now? I tried to move, but every single one of my limbs screamed with pain. I winced. My fingers and toes seemed numb. Trying to wiggle them just meant more throbbing. Something edged into my back. Huh? Why.. can't I... move? I thought, worried. Am I paralysed or something? But don't those paraplegic people never feel anything? I... I... whats going on? I closed my eyes, which was also painful, but it took me away from everything for a few moments. I made my mind clear and still. And all of sudden, the numbness started to ebb away. But I still couldn't feel my fingers... so I numbly lifted an arm up. I will never forget the feeling that rushed through me at the sight of my hand. Well, hoof... "Agh!" I screamed, then overbalanced in the sand and toppled over. Which, to be honest, was a feat in itself, seeing how my clothes now tangled around my long limbs, of which, ended with neat hooves. I muffled a few more screams, struggled in the too-big clothes and got a head full of sand for my slightly spastic troubles. I flopped my gangling head back and got a face full of thick hair. A mane. A mane?! What is this crazy world? Eventually, I stopped, and just laid there, my rasping, panicked breath breaking the tranquility of the waves. I... I'm a pony. How was I a pony? Surely that stupid amulet didn't transform me or something; how do I change back? I did not want to be a pony! Why was I a pony?! Hysteria slowly took over, and I rolled around on the ground in a panic. It took a rather large and aggressive wave to wash over me to snap me out of it. Calm down! Oh my god, Cassie. I sat there and gasped in air for a few moments and then wildly tried to compose myself - so, shaking myself out of it, I slowly and painfully began to give myself orders. Okay. First one. Now how do I get out of these clothes? Um... How was I supposed to do this? I didn't have any hands. Wait... my teeth. Damn. Firstly my skirt. That was easy enough. It was hanging loosely from my knees (or whatever they're called now...), and had a few strands of tail stuck to it. The rest of the tail was stuck up the shirt, which I pulled out easily. It was exactly like my normal, well, human hair, in the slight waves it portrayed. It also seemed the same chocolate brown color, but had several highlights through it. Although the moon was insanely bright, it was sort of hard to see by, so I wasn't completely sure. But it was fascinating. The tail also moved from side to side and up and down, and I swear I played with the silly thing for ten minutes, it was that entertaining. I also examined my fur. It seemed to be a pale tan color, and it covered everywhere; my neck, my legs, my bare flank and my stomach. Literally everywhere. It also sparkled with the sea salt forming on it that was from my drenching. I looked back at my flank. Was there supposed to be something there? I remembered once, when Tempera and I were talking about cutie marks. ******* "So when you fulfill your destiny, you will get a cutie mark!" said Tempera Glow excitedly. She looked at her blank flank and sighed. "I really wish I could get mine." "Really?" asked Cassie. "Do you really want a stamp on your butt? Is it like a tattoo, and it will never come off?" "Yeah." "My mum would kill me if I came home one day with a tattoo on my butt." retorted Cassie. Temp laughed. ******* It was unexplainable this stuff. It was weird. Its just... well, so strange to me, who has spent fourteen years of her life on two legs with hands, but it was also jarring in a way that I spent seven years of my life telling myself that this was not real. It made me sorta depressed. I was okay again soon after though; due to all the buttons and stuff on the stained white school shirt (which I would never in a million years be able to undo with my hooves), I had to basically rip it off. Although the sea salt the shirt was caked in tasted horrible, it gave me immense pleasure to rip my school uniform shirt to pieces. As I spat the last of it out of my mouth, I felt a rising pleasure coming up through my back. I heard a few bits of my spinal cord popping, which felt good, but sort of itchy. All of a sudden, my back was tingly... and I felt my back just unfold or something. I don't know. It may sound crazy, but I guess turning into a pony was even more so, so nothing was really was all that crazy anymore. I felt funny and also a little bit faint for a second, but then righted myself; I then swung my head around and looked. A beautiful sensation rolled up through me. Something I had never expected to ever be attached to, stared back at me. Wings. Oh sweet holy lord, I had wings! Craning my long neck around, I stared at them, and felt joy that I haven't felt for such a very long time. They were perfect. Although the feathers were salty and damp, they were amazingly defined, and each of them quivered in the moonlight, alive in their own way. They matched my tan fur color up to about half of the wing, and then started fading to my dark brown hair color at the tips of the feathers. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't just a pony. In fact, I was never just a pony. Yes; I, Cassie Quattuor, human turned horse... was a pegasus! Author's Note I hope you guys finished reading this thought OH MY GOD. I did; I could not believe I wrote it! I am feeling proud of myself, and just about to treat myself to a bar of chocolate ^^ Thank you to Lyx D for making the cover art! I present to you a... muffin! You deserve a special mention ;3 thank you so much! This is one of my favorite chapters, and I hope its yours too. But I'm so glad to finally have Cassie in Equestria - the real adventure begins very soon ;) So keep a lookout! 4. Falling SoloAfter watching the moon trace its way around the sky, I wondered if I should go. My new limbs were getting pins-and-needles, but I wasn't sure if I should venture off the beach, as there was a rather large forest standing behind it, looming dark and tall in the distance. I sighed, bored out of my mind. Even though it was obvious I wasn't going anywhere, I tried to stand up, just for something to do. And it was suprisingly hard. I had to first raise myself up on my forelegs, then try to get the strength in my back legs to do the same. At first I expected it to be easy, but my legs were pretty weak, and refused to do it entirely. It was also awkward, especially the first time, because I haven't really ever moved this way, as all of my bones and limbs were different lengths and sizes and in different places. It was exremely confusing. I had it after about an hour of failing. And that was just standing. Already, I missed my hands terribly, and it was obvious it was going to take a while to get used to my pegasus body. And the wings would totally not help, until I got some practice in, I suppose. I fanned them out in the moonlight and smiled. I had never even dreamt that I would have my own pair of wings one day. They were beautiful. But let me tell you, it's so weird to be able to move something that you have never had before. At first, I wasn't sure how to move my wings, but just sort of signalled my back to move them, and they moved. It was the same thing with my tail. Another whole new appendage to look out for and it hurt when I sat on it. I held myself up, and took a step forward. Sand met my face at practically one million miles per hour. Crap, I thought, looking at the awkward hooves on the end of my legs. That hurt. But I stood up again, and actually started to walk. Wow it was weird. I mean, I had been on a horse before, but it felt entirely different being the horse. All light, and bouncy. I then had the thought of someone riding me, and I snorted horsily. I laughed. I started to trot arond faster, my hooves sputing up sand. Faster. Faster. All of a sudden, I was cantering. I'm doing it! Yes I'm doing it! This is amazing! I felt lighter than air. The ground thudded beneath me. The amulet bounced crazily on my chest. I shreiked with joy. The feeling of running... as a pony was the best. I then tripped and went hurtling through the air. Crunch. I slowly got up, adrenaline running through me at a million miles per hour, and I whooped. "That... was.. AWESOME!" I felt fine and went over to sit down near my discarded school bag. Hungry, I shoved my muzzle in it. I pulled out a salad sandwhich and gulped it down. I was thirsty too, but there was no way I was going to be able to drink sea water. I retched at the thought. So I just lay my head down on my bag, and watched the starry sky. *** I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. The majestic golden sun and its day was starting to chase away the beautiful silver moon and the stars. This caused an explosion of pinks and golds and purples, and the sun finally won. The moon disappeared gracefully. That was... spectacular... The sunshine flooded the beach in golden light and washed over me warmly. I shook myself and got up awkwardly. I surveyed the area I was in. The beach was about 50 meters or so long, and the waves were small and shockingly blue. I saw dolphins leap out of the sea in the distance. Palm trees, varying in size, were dotted around everywhere. Birds flew overhead. The sun grew warmer. It was paradise. I looked over to the other side of the beach, and saw the forest I would have to go through. There was small cliffs on either side of the bay, and the only exits were the ocean or forests. I had to go that way to find Tempera. She lived in... Ponyville or something? I wasn't sure but I knew that I wold have to to through the forest. Don't ask why; I just knew. The forest had a small lake on the edge. I licked my pony lips thirstily. Fresh water? Maybe. Before I trotted over, I surprisingly easily shoved my backpack on. If I loosened the straps, it would easily fit over my wings. Grabbing it in my teeth, I slung it up over my back and spat out salt. Gross. But whatever - it was on at least. The shade of the forest enveloped me as I walked over to the lake. As I neared, I realised there was a smaller pond next to it. I went faster. The ponds appeared to be fed from an underground stream. It definitly didnt look salty. As a precaution, I stuck a hoof into the water, and brought it up to my muzzle. I sniffed it, ad then licked it off my hoof, all the while trying not to overbalance. The cool water caressed my mouth and I sighed happily. It was fresh! I shoved my head into the small pond and drank greedily. I sighed contentedly as I finished, and plopped down next to it. All of a sudden, I saw an image, a reflection in it. I moved forward a little bit and gasped. There was a scruffy tan pony staring back at me. Her large blue eyes remained unblinking. Her mouth hung open a little. Her ruffled wing feathers blew lightly in the breeze. This was me. I was the pony. I watched my mane blow in the wind. I had gotten it right from last night, as it was my same hair color as before. But there were four different highlights through it - green, blue, red and white. They were in my tail too. Where had they come from? Strange. There were feathers on random parts of my body, away from the wings, mostly on my chest, but they were salty and dry, much like the rest of me. I looked longingly at the other lake, then, discarding my bag, I jumped in, and started to clean the salt from my coat, mane and tail. I scrubbed with my hooves, and I was done. I sat in the sunshine to dry off, fanning myself with my wings. I went back to see if there had been any change. The reflection smiled back at me, her coat glossy and her mane, wings and tail soft and shiny. I then had a nervous drink from the smaller pond before I left. Left for the forest. *** The trees seemed to close in on me the moment I stumbled in. The smell of pine needles overwhelmed me, and I was surprised how amazing a pony's smell ability was. Everything seemed fresh. Strong. I started to wonder about if my plan that was going into the forest a smart and/or good one, but I shoved the thoughts out of my head as I hurried along. At first, I was following the sun through the trees, but then noticed that my amulet was glowing again. It started to glow harder every time I went in a south direction, one that was facing the sun. Is the amulet showing me where to go? As the sunlight was blocked by the trees, my legs kept stumbling over roots and stones and I realised that hooves were not exactly the best form of traction in the world. After I had tripped over the third time, I went slower, making sure that I deliberately picked up every hoof over the obstacles. It was getting more annoying and dark very quickly. Eventually I stopped and sat down against a black, gnarled tree to eat again. Sipping the water, my ears swiveled around my head. I flopped them up and down, back and forth and wiggle over and over again. Strange. As I started to get back up, I heard a sound. Sounds in the distance, coming from the west. Huh? The sounds were becoming louder and louder, until I could finally recognise what they were. I froze as they sounded again. Howls. Wolf howls. Oh no. This is bad. This is very bad. Closer and closer every second. The amulet started to glow again. I gasped. I heard them. I heard them panting as they run across the thick forest, searching for me. Searching for my blood. My heart was pounding in my ears so fast I almost didn't notice the wolf head poke out of the bushes. At least it looked like a wolf. But it was weird and wooden and had all these logs attached to it. It saw me standing there, shaking but frozen, and it pounced, screaming battle cries. I threw myself out of the way and bolted through the forest. My hooves thudded on the dry, blackened earth, and the tree branches whipped past my face. My wings hung heavily at my sides, giving me some very much so needed extra weight. Yay for me. I screamed as I saw the wolf leap over me, and land in front of me. I skidded to a stop and scrambled backwards away from it, whimpering, out of breath and energy. The amulet was glowing brightly. I cringed. Realising I was surrounded by trees that I would never be able to get through because of my new pony stature (so convenient right now), I just sat there. The wolf stalked toward me and yet again pounced. Not able to go anywhere, I let him fall on me. This was it. I sighed heavily. He then grabbed the amulet in his teeth. NO! I flared out my wings and hit him with my hooves. I tried to bite him and got a face full of bark; wincing, I pulled away. Wrong move. He clawed at my chest with full force and I screamed. Blood gushed out of the gaping wound and he reached for the amulet again. I swiped weakly, noticing I was starting to loose consciousness. As I sank unwillingly and painfully onto the ground, with the tree wolf lurking over me, I felt a chilling sensation.My eyes widened as I saw grass sprout up around my hoof. The grass tured into a daffodil plant, and then a tree. What...? All of a sudden, I felt something inside of me, and I heard the whispering of the trees, the feel of the soft grass around me, the sweet smell of spring. Closing my eyes, I saw a tree in my mind. The tree flared out beneath me, and I became part with it; one single beautiful creature. Power rushed from my head to the ends of my hooves. The whispering filled my head, drowning out the howling screams that were coming from the wolf. The screams intensified, then stopped altogether. I wearily opened my eyes. A huge tree was spiraling up from underneath my hooves. I spotted the wolf, with a sharp branch speared through its stomach, high up in the tree. Its mouth hung open, its tongue hanging loose. No... I weakly tried to drag myself away from it, but only got a a couple of meters before dark spots danced in my eyes. I collapsed fully, the power rush gone. That was me... I did that. I thought, staring up to the tree blindly. I felt the blood, my blood, oozing onto my forelegs. How... why did I do that...? Everything went black. Author's Note This took ages to write and I'm sorry for the lateness ^^ I really like the suspense I put in the last chapter! I hope you guys do too! Hmmm, Cassie. Something just happened to her, it's pretty mysterious. If you want a couple of clues, look back to her hair highlights and also her last name - that should start to give you some pointers. 'Til next time HollyB out! 5. Greenish LeavesI felt the brush of leaves on my face and the sweet smell of mint fill the air. The leaves were clouding my vision, so I brushed them away. As they fell to the ground, I gasped. The rain forest was green and inviting. The trees swung gently in the unseen breeze. A waterfall splashed happily in the distance. Small drops of water from the trees fell and plopped onto the ground next to me. Looking up, I saw a bird take flight from the tree. It's fronds swung awkwardly. Getting up, I realised that I was neither horse nor human. I was a mix of both, with both bodies and souls of both creatures. Mist flew around my feet. I was floating on nothing and everything. Looking up, I saw a beautiful woman standing before me. She was silent, her hair blowing in the breeze, giving off a soft green aura. She looked so powerful, but so gentle with her eyes sparkling, as green as new soft, green shoots and her misty, flowering robes flowing. She walked forward toward me. "Cassie Quattor... my child, you have come." she whispered, her voice like the smoothness of the flowers. Her soft, pale hand reached out and touched my forehead, and I sighed softly. "Who are you?" I asked her. She stepped back a little and sighed. "I am Gaia. Also known as Mother Earth." she said. "And I have been waiting for you." "What? Why... why have you been waiting for me?" I said awkwardly. "There are dark forces at work, Cassie." she smiled sadly. "Matters are out of our hands. The elements have had no choice but to flee." "Flee from what? What, Mother Gaia?" "You will find out for yourself. I cannot tell you now... you must find it out. But Cassie..." she winced a little bit and all of a sudden, her features started to melt. Leaves whirled around her, burying her in a storm. I shied back, a pony again. My hooves clattered on the rock I was standing on. The leaves died down and she stepped out of the storm as a pony. She was even more beautiful, her long misty green mane and tail dotted with pink flowers, her tan fur long and silky, without wings. Vines twirled around her legs. She winced and sank down into the ground. I rushed over and sat down next to her. "Cassie... I am dying. We are all dying. Our time is over, and we were too vulnerable. Too vulnerable, so they got us." she sighed and shifted a little. "My child, you are one of the most important souls in all the universes right now. You are so special..." she whispered quietly, placing her hoof on my cheek. "You are the only one that can save the universe. Equestria. Earth. Everywhere." "But how.. why are you... what do I do?" "You will know child." "But please Mother...." "You are the Savior. Find the Elements of Friendship, the Princesses and the One Who Seeks. Then find the rest of my elements. You must do this." "But how.. who are they?" I asked, as she ran a hoof through my mane. She silently picked out a clump of hair and showed it to me. A dull green highlight. I then watched, astounded, as the green sprang to life, and leaves sprouted up out of the thick hair, then disappeared suddenly. The green was now bright as a forest. Plucking a pink flower out of her mane, Gaia placed it in mine. The sweet smell enveloped me. I looked at the pony, who then reached out her hoof to touch my amulet. "Go now, my Flower Child" she whispered, and placed the hoof on the white gem. And she disappeared as everything exploded into a tornado of green leaves. *** The smell of antiseptic burnt my nostrils, and I sluggishly sniffed. It reminded me of the smell of a hospital, like the one that I went to after I broke my arm when I fell off the monkey bars. I heard beeping, and a rustling near me. I slowly opened my eyes. I looked around the room. I was in a hospital. The pillow behind me made a crinkly sound and the sheet was too warm. I kicked it with my hooves awkwardly, but it wouldn't budge, and my arms and legs flopped everywhere. Am... am I drugged? I asked myself, my brain foggy. Where am I... am I out of the forest? I felt a sharp pain reach through me as I tried to move. Memories flooded back through me and I looked down at my chest. Sure enough, there were stitches all the way along the wolf wound. I grimaced. The amulet lay limply on my chest. I heard hoofsteps and looked up. A pretty pale yellow pony walked in, with a small cap and apron with a little red cross on it. She had neither a horn or wings. Her blue and pink tail bobbed perkily. "You're up!" she said happily upon seeing me staring at her with my eyes only half open. My vision was hazy as well, and I felt sleepy. She trotted over, wrote something on a small clipboard at the foot of my bed (how she gripped that pen, I will never know) and smiled at me. "Are you feeling better? None of us really know what happened to you, but that was a pretty nasty gash." she said, looking at the stitches. "But it's looking alot better now, especially since Nurse Redheart sewed that up herself, and she is one of the best nurses here." She watched me for a moment, then said, "Would you like anything?" "Ughbey washna?" was all I could say. Frowning, I tried again, but my lips just would not work. They seemed to flap uselessly over my face. I looked up at her and gave her a confused 'sorry' look. "Oh, yes!" she said suddenly. "Sorry. We had to give you painkillers. They will wear off in a while though. But you might feel a little bit sluggish and tired for a while Miss ....?" "Cathsy... Casty... Cassie. Cassie." I stuttered out. "Okay then Cassie. You should probably have a rest for now, you really need it, okay?" "O..thay. Kay." I frowned. This was annoying, but was starting to wear off. The nurse started to walk out of the room. "Wait!" She turned around. "Yes?" "Watther?" "Water?" she smiled. "Yesh. Uhh... tank you Nurse...?" I stuttered, not knowing her name. "Bon Bon." she said, and slipped out of the room. *** I felt much better later. Although the wound still hurt like anything, I was relieved that I could (sort of) talk again. Bon Bon sat there with me for the rest of the day as it wore off. She was an amazingly optimistic pony, and she talked about everything. At least she didn't ask any questions. After the awkwardness before, I was happy to keep my muzzle shut. She seemed to understand, and kept talking, stopping to get me lunch from the kitchen and occasionally a glass of water. Thankfully, she placed it on the bedside table where I sucked it up with a straw. I definitely would never be able to pick up anything with my hooves. Finally, after about three hours of her talking, I asked her something. "Uhhhmmm... how did I get here exactly?" She looked up, startled to see me speak something that wasn't in gibberish. "You were found unconscious in the Everfree." she replied. "Rainbow Dash, one of our lead weather ponies found you while flying over it and saw that you needed some medical attention pretty fast. She bought you over here as soon as. Half dead you were too..." she grimaced. "But why didn't you fly over the Everfree? Were you hit or something?" "I... um.." Bon Bon looked worried for a second. "Cassie, you can tell me anything, you know." I looked at her and sighed. I looked at the ceiling, trying not to meet her eyes. "I... I can't fly..." I whispered, before breaking into tears, for no reason. It was embarrassing, I know. I cried like a baby. Bon Bon said nothing as she gathered me into her neck, my large wings hugging her back, where I violently sobbed for minutes. She smoothed my mane softly. Eventually, embarrassed, I drew back. I heard a gasp. I looked up and saw her staring at me with her mouth wide open. She looked down at my leg. Puzzled, I did as well. A beautiful tattoo of a green vine stretched up from my hoof to my flank, where it ended with a large pink flower, maybe a rose. The vine spiraled up and around my left back leg, with leaves and flower buds attached to it. The tattoo was so bright I could have sworn it was real. "That is amazing. Is that your cutie mark?" asked an astounded Nurse Bon Bon. "It... is." I replied shakily. I was certain, even though I hadn't even seen it before. But wasn't it supposed to do with my destiny or something? I thought, thinking back to Tempera Glow's words. Tempera! I had completely forgotten about her! "It's so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it..." She went quiet, then stared at hers, three sweets, then back at mine, a little envious. I wanted to touch the rose with a hoof, to make sure it was real. And all of a sudden, as I touched it, I knew was that Gaia, the Element of Earth, was dead. Author's Note Sorry guys, this too AGES to write... and I had too much homework, which didn't help at all!! Grrr... There is'nt much progress i this chapter so if you were expecting more sorry.... And heres an artwork by me, with cassie! If you were wondering what she looked like... this is her first night on the beach. But some people have guessed right! Cassie now has the power of the element of earth.... although she doesn't realise it just yet. The others are soon to come later, when she finally ventures off. A MASSIVE TRUTH ABOUT TEMP IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!!! STAY TUNED!! 6. The Silenced MagicAs I fell to the ground, the earth spun around me. I heard the distant sound of Bon Bon's shout and hooves clattering away, out of the door. And I saw Gaia dying again and again. I watched, unable to make a sound, unable to look away, unable to think, as Gaia slumped to the ground, a storm of leaves covering her - a final tribute. Again and again and again. I watched, unable to breathe as the darkness surrounded my body, and Gaia's eyes went entirely lifeless, her heart and soul gone, like flowers in the winter. As she went down, the beautiful forest crumbled. The leaves wilted and fell off the trees; the waterfall exploded like a geyser; the brightly colored birds plummeted to the earth. One by one, the flowers left Gaia's dull green mane, and in one small flash of magic, she returned to the lifeless and dead form of a human. Her eyes saw nothing but pain as they shut forever. I screamed and covered my ears with my hooves. Gaia was dead. Dead, dead, dead. And the horror dawned on me. She had touched the amulet. The cutie mark. It was her. NO! I never... please no! No no no no! I screamed in my head, the images flashing in my brain again and again. The conclusion was always the same thing. It was all my fault. I had killed her. I had killed Gaia, the mother of Earth. I sunk deeper into the darkness and sobbed. I fell onto the ground, my hooves clattering. My wings, earthbound again, automatically opened. I went crazy. I grabbed feathers in my teeth and ripped, the pain stifling my senses of guilt and pain and the longing to fly. I tore and grinded and ripped my feathers out in a fury, cursing and shouting at myself. "I don't even deserve them! I'm not even a pony! I am nothing but an insignificant little dreamer, spoilt and I... I'm suffering! I killed Gaia, and here I am nothing... even on my other world I am.. was nothing. Please..." I pleaded up to the darkness. "Just kill me now." But no; nothing would ever take me now. I was a pegasus, who was too terrified to open her wings and fly, and for that, consequences came. An idiot, who was nothing at all. "Please..." I croaked. The darkness finally obliged and swallowed me up. *** I woke up to the sound of beeping. The room was dim and I realised I was still in the hospital. I had imagined for a second that I was five again and I was waking up to go to school and walk with Maddie. The beautiful feeling of warm blankets and friendship faded into a dark recess of my mind. I sighed. A pony was sitting on a chair next to my bed. She looked tired. Clearing my fuzzy mind, I saw it was Bon Bon. "Bon Bon....? Wha... what happened?" I whispered hoarsely. She snapped her head up, and upon seeing me, her face broke out into a relieved smile. She got to her feet, and not wearing her nurses uniform, she trotted over. "Are you okay?" she demanded. "You were fine, but then you had a total breakdown and..." she paused, seeing my concern. "I.. I don't know what happened. What did I do?" I looked at her. Flinching, she said something about how it wasn't the right time to tell me. "What happened...? Please Bon..." I whispered. Why wouldn't she tell me? "It isn't the right time to tell you..." "What?" "You're still recovering." "Bon Bon." I said, my voice getting firmer. "Tell. Me. Now." Her eyes widened, and she took a step backward. Her hooves clopped on the ground, the sound mingling with her sharp intake of breath. "Cassie, you had a stroke." My mind reeled backwards and I stared at Bon Bon in disbelief. How did....? What? "It was very sudden and very dangerous. To be honest, you are very lucky to be alive." she muttered, grimacing at my expression. "How long was I gone for?" I asked with mounting dread. "Four days...." "What?!" I had to go! I had to find... Gaia told me... "Cassie, we will talk about this later. You need to rest." said Bon Bon. I started to clamber awkwardly out of bed, saying, "No!" I glanced down at my wolf caused wound as it stung, and winced. Bon Bon took a step forward, pushing me back to the bed. I fought back, and then hit her in the face. She gasped as she let her hooves go to her muzzle, where blood was pouring out of the nostrils. I raced to the door, my wings fluttering frantically. I pulled at the door handle with my teeth, unsure how to open it with hooves. The cold metal stung the insides of my mouth as I tugged at it, knowing that I had to get out, and honor Gaia's name. She had died for me. Your fault. It's all your fault. This filled me with a new determination and depression, and I turned around and bucked the door open. It flew off it's hinges, crashing into the hallway wall across from it. Wow. I definitely wouldn't be able to do that back home... I thought, thinking of my useless, slow human legs. Wait, why are you not running? You have to go! Bon Bon wheezed and then came after me, but was too slow as I zipped out of the door and was running down the white tiled hallway. I heard shouting, and nurses and other ponies were chasing me, the hooves on the cold tiles making a deafening, thunderous roar. Even so, I grinned. Running is one of the best things I could ever experience right then. I needed it, like Celestia, the sun, or Luna and the moon. Images filled my head, one of a shimmering, blinding white alicorn and one a pitch-black night colored alicorn. Sisters. Wait... are they the princesses? How did I... I haven't even heard of them before! All of a sudden, one last image disturbed the peaceful alicorns. A hurting, vengeful monster roared in my mind, then vanished in a puff of black smoke. I blinked in surprise, and shied a little to the right, almost crashing into a cart, which was only narrowly avoided by leaping to the left. You need to get out of here! Stay focused! I told myself, looking for some sign of an exit. Looking back, I saw that they were right on my tail. Literally. Run! I screamed silently. Just as I was tackled to the ground. Ponies crowded around me, standing over me as I struggled beneath the weight of four stallions. "Please! I have to go... please! Everyone's in danger.... please, just listen to me!" I cried. Bon Bon appeared, her nose stained with blood. Sitting down next to me, she smoothed down my messed up mane. "Shhhh now" she said. They think I'm crazy! I struggled, knowing that if I didn't get free... well... Gaia would have died for nothing. I screamed and pushed them off me. Thorns raked through my mind as the ground erupted in a burst of fury, soil flying. Leaves pushed up into poison flowers and the vines twisted and turned, trapping anything in its path. The line of anger from my mind flowed into the ground from my hooves, covering and killing everything. Leaves spread over their path to me, blocking my pursuers. I knew it was my chance to get out. So I ran, the screams of ponies catching my breath. And then skidded to a halt. Hundreds of nurses and guards stood at the entrance to the hospital. What do I do? This... this is a nightmare.... "Kill them." said a voice in my head. "You have the power. Just look" Looking back, I saw the wave of destruction, and hoofprints. My hoofprints. Where grass had sprouted up through tiled floor where I had ran. "No!" cried another. "You know that Gaia would never want you to do that with her power. Please, please don't harm anyone. Well anypony. You know what I mean...." I smiled. That was me. The real me would never harm anyon... uh, pony. See, that was even my delightful awkwardness and ignorance coming through the guilt and anger. Backing up, I surveyed the scene. At least one-hundred ponies stood there. Several looked like they had guns. I started to feel the beautiful, earthy powers build up inside me. This time, not as vengeful as last time, just curious and ready. I was able to control it now. Good. I didn't want to kill any...pony. "I... I... um.." I choked out, stuttering nervously. I was then startled backwards as a lone orange pegasus shot up out of the crowd and toward me. I tried to power up and protect myself, but he was just too fast. As my powers were about to flow, he shot me in the chest with a long silver bullet. My powers combined with the metal in my chest, and the pain in my chest was replaced by searing warmth. Looking down, I saw my chest wound being wrapped by vines and leaves. They disappeared as long with the wound. All that remained was a faint green scar, the amulet glowing. I heard gasps. I touched the bullet still lodged there, just above the new scar. Wait... not a bullet, a needle. Oh no. It was a tranquiliser. Everything faded into nothing. *** I opened my eyes up to a white unicorn mare standing over me. There was nothing around us, only darkness, only her. "Where... am I?" I asked her, unsure of what to say or even do. "I don't know! You tell me!" she replied sharply. Her voice was so familiar, but I just couldn't pick it. "Uhhhh... what?" "I said, I don't know! Dang, don't you even listen?" she replied, stepping back. I stared. Seeing her fully, my mind refused to comprehend. The red mane; the aqua-blue fur going up half her legs; the slight, 'I can't be bothered' tone to her voice. No wonder she sounded different, the last time I had seen her, she was just a hopeful filly. I stepped forward and pulled her into a massive hug. "Tempera... Tempera Glow, god have I missed you..." I whispered into her mane. Seeing her stepping out of my embrace, and the confused look on her face saying, 'Should I know you?", made me cry out. "Do...don't you remember me?" I asked, quivering a little. "Um, well, should I?" "You don't know me. After all this..." I turned away, feeling a tear slide down my cheek. "Who are you then?" "Temp... please..." I saw her ears perk up at the sound of her nickname I had given to her long ago. "...please believe me. I'm Cassie." "Cassie? Cassie was never a pony. I would have made her one, but it was..." she paused. "You are not Cassie. It's not even any of your business anyway. Leave her be." "I can prove it to you! Please Temp..." I said, watching her flinch at the nickname. "You were - are my best friend. I have spent my whole life, hoping and waiting for you and you never came. You ruined my life but I never gave up on you. Just please..." I pleaded. "Just hear me out." I saw her flare up angrily. "Your life ruined?! I..." "Please!" She snorted huffily. Hurt brimmed in her eyes. I reached into my mane with a hoof and tugged the warmth out, letting it fall with a thud to the ground. Tempera Glow looked up and gasped. Walking over to the amulet on the ground, she pulled off an object fitted securely on her horn. A flash of silver and deep blue jolted my memories. A sapphire laden bracelet fell to the ground, and came to a rest next to the amulet. She ran to me and threw her hooves around my neck, burying her face into my tan fur. "It's you. It's really you!" she sobbed. "How did... why?" "You came back? But why didn't you tell me? I... I thought-" I said sheepishly. She took a step back, sniffing a little. "No, no." she said, gesturing at me. "This first." I looked down at my hooves and then spoke- "I think it was the amulet. I went through the portal. I was definitely not expecting this, especially the wings...." "You have wings?!" she shrieked, turning me around. "Wow...!" she pawed at them happily. I realised they were clinging to my sides for once. Strange. I spotted something on her flank. It was a pencil, and a heart I think. A cutiemark... "And you have your cutiemark! Wow! How did you get that?" I asked, grinning. She smiled, looking up at me. "Well... it's a long story..." "Tell me!" I pleaded. "Hmmmm... well I knew you would come to Equestria! I just knew it, Cassie." she smiled. Avoiding the question. Weird. "Do you like it? It's an amazing place." Thinking of the hospital, I stammered, "Well, uh, totally, but where do I find you?" I asked, also changing the topic. She would tell me later for sure. "Are you still in Ponyville? Or did you move?I have nowhere to go... so.. uh..." I stopped seeing her face scrunch into a look of sadness. Betrayal and loneliness flashed in her sea-blue eyes. "You... you don't know?" she whispered, gazing up at me. "Wha... what?" "That night. The one when we last saw each other..." Her silky tone gave me the chills. I looked away. "What?" I asked softly. I looked into her beautiful eyes for a second. Something had happened to her, I just knew it. You could never keep a secret from a friend. She sighed. "Cassie..." Tempera Glow whispered. "I never got back to Equestria. I was trapped on Earth." Author's Note I'm sorry for how late this was guys. I've recently broken my leg, and thus, did not have time to write. Another, is that I really want the chapters to go longer, like this one So, how did you like this chapter? TOOK ME AGES, but Iove it! So this is where Temp has been all this time? *gasp* Very sad and sorta emotional scene I pulled there, what do you think? Hmmm... well, 'til next time... Stay tuned!
PrologueCassie woke to the dead of the night. The dead of silence. Huu.. huh..? What woke me up? She looked around the room, blearily nervous. She cried out when her eyes settled on a large dark shape on her desk chair. Her eyes suddenly adjusted to the light and she sighed. Its... its.. just a robe? Ugh. Why are you such a baby? She sighed as tears pooled in her eyes and she ran her hands through her chocolate coloured hair, tugging at it like it were a lifeline. The events of the previous day had bored holes in her mind, and replayed again and again.. and again. No one else is a scaredy cat like you. People were laughing at her. Even her teacher had laughed, making it even worse. she remembered looking up at the picture she drew of a unicorn, hanging up high on a piece of string, masking her shame. Or perhaps, it was the thing conveying it to her. She noticed that her small moon-shaped night light had gone off, and the source of light was the real moonlight flowing in through the open window. Cassie's long white curtains fluttered in the breeze. She froze. I... I never leave my window open, she thought giddily. Is there someone in the house? What if they find me here? What about my parents? She sat there for a while as buzzing, irritating, worrying thoughts surrounded her. Nonononono. She snapped. "Stop!" she cried. To herself? To intruders? Realising what she had done, she shoved her hand over her mouth, and looked around, petrified. She remembered. She remembered shouting at them all. Her kindergarten classmates went silent. The teacher came over to her, said something in a horrible condescending voice. "Unicorns aren't real Cassie. You should know that. Now lets stop this nonsense and go back to colouring." Cassie remembered the stinging of her hand as she slapped the teacher across the face. She remembered the horror on her classmates and friends faces. She remembered the tears running down her face as she ran out of the classroom, out onto the streets and onto the beach. And she remembered the feeling of the silky white fur of the unicorn filly, her unicorn friend she sobbed to that night, until the policemen had finally found her, alone and unconscious on the sand, in the beach cave, with an amulet around her pale neck. She remembered ******* "Cassie, you know it makes me sad whenever you cry.... please stop. Cassie... Cass?" "I'm s-sorry. I.. I just don't k-know what to do. People... they just won't believe me. A-and they think I'm crazy, bu-but they're the crazy ones Temp and... please, I don't know what to do." sniffled Cassie. Tempera Glow lit up. "Cassie! You can come to Equestria with me! Remember? I've told you about this hundreds of times. The castles, the ponies, the food - oh the food! And the pegasi are awesome, and you can come and live with me. It will be amazing! You and me, best buds forever. Right?" "R-right!" Cassie said, brightening. "This could work! Then we'll always be friends! And you won't have to come through here again. I'll be right there!" Tempera nodded happily. "In fact, in honor of our friendship, I am giving you this...." the unicorn said, pulling a rough metal chain off of her thick red mane. "It's really special, and it's hundreds of years old, so you have to be careful with it." "Oh, wow... of course I will Temp. Um..." she said slipping it on, and wondering what to give her. "And this... is for you." she smiled, whipping off her tiny, sapphire laden bracelet, fitting it above Temp's silver hoof snugly. "There." "Best friends? Forever and ever?" whispered Temp. "You mean, best friend until the sun makes our whole entire universe explode?" "Yes, if that's forever." "Then yes. Of course we are." Cassie lent into Tempera, and clutching the warm stone of the amulet, they watched the stars until they fell asleep. ******** She remembered. ******** "Please don't. Please Daddy! I don't want to go..." "Cassandra, stop being so silly. We were worried sick about you. You were gone for hours!" "Where are we going?'' Cassie asked as she was pulled along by her obviously angry parents. ''You're not answering! Where are we going? Mummy? Please...." "We're going to a nice man." was all her mother replied. "No! I want to go back! I don't know where Tempera is! Please-" Her father looked at her angrily. "The unicorn?" "Yes," replied Cassie with mounting panic. "Tempera Glow... I... I need to find her!" Her father' s worry quickly boiled over with rage. "Cassie, open your eyes - there are no unicorns!" her father snarled, as he shoved her into the car. "You need help. We're going now. Stop the nonsense or else." "Daddy, please, she's real! Its true... oh, why won't you believe me? Please!" Cassie lunged for the door, but was too late as her mother locked it and they drove off in a broken, shattered silence. Broken, because Cassie cried. ******** Why wont they understand? I... I know I'm just a kid but... please... just believe me... she thought with tears reaching her cold cheeks. She thought too much. It crowded her head and body and life. She let go of her hair and grabbed the warm black stone on the end of the rough metal chain. It filled her with a beautiful sensation. She blinked, and all of a sudden, she knew what she could do. I'm going. She ran around her room frantically, shoving clothes into a small backpack, her spare one for school. She felt like she was stealing from her parents as she tip-toed down to the kitchen and nabbed food and water, and felt just as bad taking $50 from the spare money jar, that was always under the bathroom sink. What am I doing? Shaking the thoughts out of her head, and clutching the pendant to her chest, with tears freeing themselves onto her face, she clambered out of the window and ran into the darkness, with the moon watching over her. Author's Note This is my first chapter of my first story... how exiting! Please comment, even if you didn't like it. I love comments - they help me so much on my writing! Every comment boosts me towards being a better writer, so thanks if you do! So if you don't get it so far, Cassie believes in unicorns, and has heard of Equestria. That makes her pretty special, but she is strongly misunderstood, and is then taken to a psychologist's session. Cassie is terrified of almost everything, but as you can see, she is whole when she is near Tempera Glow. You will figure out the reason to this later, but for now, NO SPOILERS! :) I am looking for someone that can do a cover and fan art for my story (for free please...). If you think you are up to it, please contact me at either here: http://holleeb.deviantart.com/ or just on my page on this site. Same with an editor - please contact me if you want to edit my stories! Thank you for reading and stay tuned for Cassie's (and possibly Temp's...) return in the next few chapters...
1. Clear Memories7 years later. The alarm woke me up. It screamed into my ear, like it did every morning, until I would have to pretty much break it to get it to stop. Sometimes it won't even stop then. After I had bashed it quiet, I spent about ten minutes just laying there half-asleep. I'm not a particularly lazy person, but this is what always happens on a Monday morning. For me I guess its sort of a ritual. Monday after Monday. As you can guess, I solidly hate Mondays. "Cassiiiiiiieeee!" I bolted upright and yelled "Coming!" Throwing some clothes on, I stopped to see if my phone was charged, shoved it in my pocket, grabbed my backpack (which I had mercifully packed the night before) and ran down the hallway. I arrived in the kitchen in a bit of a mess. With my school shirt crumpled, and my skirt hitched up waaaaay too above my knees, I looked like I had just, well, gotten out of bed... "What the hell Cassie? You were supposed to be ready..." my mother paused and looked at her watch. "A whole half hour ago! Were you asleep again? I keep telling you to put your alar-" "-clock earlier. Yeah I know." "Don't give me that cheekiness. You only know it off by heart because you never get up in the morning. If you wanted to get to school on time, we would have to set your alarm a day earlier than it is..." I heard the bus pull up outside, and started to run out the door. "Wait!" yelled Mum. I pulled up outside. "What?" "Your bag!" my mother said wearily, as she pecked me on the cheek and handed me the bag. "Have a nice day, Hun." "See you..." I groaned awkwardly. I turned around and knew immediately what was going to happen when I got on the bus - the taunting and mocking would begin. I smiled though, because at least I had remembered to pack the nail polish remover, which was to be used at least every week when gum was shoved into my hair. I know, it sounds like the classic bully victim story. And I guess I'm not really a victim. I have a choice in being bullied. But I blew completely it because of the incident I had when I was in kindergarten. And to be honest - I don't want to talk about it, especially since my parents would probably threaten me with a psychologist again. Even so, I fingered my pendent nervously. The white stone on it was always warm, and I always thought I could see swirling colors and silhouettes in it. I mean, when I was little. I'm just not that gullible or dumb anymore - I was way too imaginative when I was a kid. I don't even know where it came from. My dad has asked me to take it off so may times that I just don't even listen anymore. So what if I don't want to part with it? Its just a necklace. I stopped fiddling and hid it back in my shirt as I boarded the bus. The torment began immediately. As soon as the bus started its engine again a girl stood up as I started to walk down the bus isle. Oh crap. Maddie. Just don't even look at her. I thought, panicking. Keep your head low. Just walk right past her and sit down. "Hey Hun." she smirked as I neared her. "Did widdle Cassie forget her wunchbawg agawn today? Oh dear. So forgetful." "Just let me sit down Maddison." I said quietly. "What?" she asked, flicking her long caramel-coloured hair behind her. She was looking down on me. I could tell. "I said let me sit down." I whispered, looking up to face her. "But why-" "Maddison, let me sit down. Now." Huh? Where did that come from... oh no. I should have kept my mouth shut... I thought as Maddie's face started to redden. Her fists were clenched. Oops... "No one interrupts me! Especially you you disgusting piece of-" "Of what?! What Maddie, what?" She looked like she had been slapped. She glared at me. There was hurt in her eyes, and I felt bad for no reason. "No.. one. No one ever calls me.."she spat out the word. "Maddie. Ever." But I really could not stop myself. "Oh. Oopsies. So you gonna go cry to your mummy now are ya?" I snarled. WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?! my thoughts screamed. Shes gonna kill us!! Maddie drew back a fist. Her green eyes glinted. "Take that back." "Maddison, I'm sorry okay..."I stuttered, coming to my senses at last. The bus pulled up at the school curb. She put her fist down. She grinned at her bimbo friends, then looked back to me and said, "We'll finish with you later. Now get lost, loser." I practically ran off the bus. ******** "Maddie! Happy birthday!" The little girl squealed as her best friend threw herself into her arms. "Cassie! Did you get me a prezzie? Do you want party food? Wait, I think first you should put that massive present down on the table... is it for me?" "Yup!" "Wow! Its massive!" she ran around it hyperly. "How much did it cost?" "A million dollars." Cassie said matter-of-factly. "Oh my, really? I only have five dollars...." Cassie smiled as she rambled on. Maddie was totally her best friend, after Tempera. Maybe one day she would introduce them to each other. "....but my dad gave me a whole dollar today, so I guess that means that I actually have six dollars... are you getting bored Cass? Lets go outside!" "Okay!" said Cassie, who was starting to zone-out. Maddie grabbed her hand and dragged her out the door into the sunshine. ********* I walked out onto the playground cautiously. I started to head toward the library, as I did most days. I avoided the usual uncertain glares that came my way and yet again stared at the ground. Thunk. Oh dear God.... I thought as I looked at the small pink sneakers I had walked into. "Sorry... Maddison..." "You will be sorry after this, you little turd. How dare you insult me on the bus? You are a mas-" I had looked up during her little speech. She was staring at my neck... huh? All of a sudden, she started to strangle me. "Gagh!" I choked. She had my necklace. I.. I must have left it out of my shirt. "Give it to me! I want it!" she cried. I was struggling, yet everyone on the playground was ignoring me. She glanced over to her friends. "Help me!" she yelled. I was feeling faint, and keeping the necklace on was practically choking me, but I held on just the same. I couldn't let it go. I just couldn't. Why? "Give it to me and nothing will happen! If you don't, we'll hurt you!" I whimpered and splayed my arm out to grab the pendent. I missed, but tried again. This time, I grabbed the stone for a millisecond. Light flashed in my eyes and a wave of power surged through me. "No!"I screamed, and shoved them all away from me. And I ran. ******** "What are you talking about? You have not even told me about this the whole time!" cried Maddie. "Why wouldn't you tell me? I... I thought we were friends. Best friends. Forever, remember?" "Yes, its just... well I've known Temp a lot longer then you, and she was my first best friend-" "So you kept this from me for longer than I could count? So she's your real best friend huh?!" "No Madd, but.. its just.." Cassie stuttered, trying to find the right word to say. "Well if she's your real best friend, then I don't care! You can go play around with her now. Go drown with her in her stupid sea cave why don't you? Just... just" her eyes welled up with tears. "I hate you! I don't ever want to see you again!" "Maddie! Wait..." "And don't call me Maddie. I never want to speak to you ever again!"Maddison cried, her caramel hair blowing in front of her face as she slammed Cassie's front door shut and ran home in the rain. Author's Note Okay. First chapter, over and done with. Phew! Still looking for fan artists and possibly an editor? Contact me if you are up to it! Okay... so Cassie - seven years after the Tempera Glow incident. She has gotten over it pretty well, considering the loss of her other, human best friend, Maddie. And after all that, she is completely shunned at school because of it too. But today, well, she snaps. Flips out. And does a completely Cassie thing - runs. I hope y'all are enjoying the little flashback scenes I have put in there as well. Puzzled about waht happened after the prologue? That's coming up in a chapter eventually. Same as Temp (you missing her yet?) Cassie's day is not going well! Please comment below - I love comments! Also like! (don't forget the like...) Stay tuned till next time!
2. Pitied WatersWith only my feet thudding on the ground and my rasping breath, the streets were silent. I ran and ran, with my backpack thudding against my back. My hair had long ago come out of its elastic, and it was flying like a banner across my back. The wind streamed through it. See her run, its chocolate color called. See her flee. Did I care where I was going? No. I didn't care. Couldn't care. I hate myself. Hate hate hate. When did my life get so out of control? And how come I only noticed it just now? Tears blinded my vision and my heart thudded, eerily fast. Still I ran, through alley ways, across streets full of traffic, through a mall and across parks. I ran and ran and ran. It was so pitiful. I was so pitiful. All of a sudden, I felt a burning sensation on my chest. It was burning. No, scalding. I pulled myself to a stop. My feet crunched on sand. I tripped. Agh! Owowowowow! I screamed silently as the burning intensified. I pulled the pendent out of my shirt. The cause of the horrible burning. There was a small, blistered welt on my cheat already. It stung spitefully, as the pendent started to glow. Stupid neckla- I stopped. I heard the crashing of waves. The smell of the sea salt. The coarse feel of the silky sand beneath me. Oh no. Not here. Anywhere but here. I looked up and winced. Not the beach. "No. Please. Not here." I told the pendent. Great. I thought. You've gotten in a fight, run away from school, again, and now you're talking to a necklace. Just great. Memories filled my head. No. Please no. I shut my eyes as tightly as I could. Nononono. And yet, the name still sprang into my head. The unicorn. Some fake, imaginary unicorn friend, one that I haven't even spoken of for more than six years. The one that ruined my childhood and the rest of my life. "Tempera Glow." I whispered. The pendent started to burn in my hand again. I started to walk, on a path I knew all too well. One I have not even been on for almost seven years. The one to the beach cave. The sand crunched under my shoes. The pendent glowed and burned. I shivered in the afternoon sun. I could see it ahead. It was high tide, so, lifting the hem of my stupid skirt, I waded to the cave, which was above water, but hidden by the steep rock face that towered over it to form Redcliffe Point. It was a secret. Only discovered fully the day the policemen found me, but still mostly kept under wraps to stop it being like, a gang hideout or something. Or where little girls get kidnapped. I stopped at the mouth of the cave. The white gem glowed fiercely. It was time to find out what was real from the beginning. I stepped inside. Memories exploded from me. A six year old me was sitting here, drawing with a white and blue coated, red maned unicorn filly. Here we were again, this time we were talking. And here we were. Exchanging gifts. I looked at the pendant in my hand. Amulet, now. She... she was real. I remembered talking about Cutie Marks; Pegasi. Equestria. I miss you so much. I'm sorry Temp, but why did you never come back? The peace was broken when I heard shouts in the distance. "Caaaaasssssssssssssandraaaa! Cassandra! Where are you?" Oh no. Why here? Already people were looking for me. I can't be caught again. Help me! I screamed silently, turning around on the spot. I looked around frantically for another exit. There had to be one! Why wasn't there an exit? I slipped on a green strand of seaweed still on the floor, still soggy from the last high tide. I cried out, dreading that the people heard it. Calm down! Try to remember... I'm pretty sure I talked about this once... I sat up on the soggy floor and thought back to the time, seven years ago, when I was discussing it with Temp. ******** "How do you get out of here? Is the portal to Equestria in here?" Cassie asked the unicorn thoughtfully. "Yep. Its in here. In the back of the cave, see?" she said, guesturing with her hoof. Cassie saw a shimmering piece of rock. "Is that it? You just walk through it?" "Yep, sure is." Tempera Glow said, swishing her stubby filly tail. "That seems too easy..." said Cassie skeptically. "Well, you also have to either have been to Equestria or have something from Equestria. Its to keep y'know... outsiders away." "Oh. I thought so." ******** It was the only way. I was trapped. I sped along to the wall, and saw it was still sparkling. Would I? Tempera would take me in, if I could find her. That was the original plan. I even had something from Equestria. I held up the glowing amulet. It was meant to be, right? But I never got the chance to ponder that thought, as I heard people walk into the entrance of my cave. I heard my mothers worried voice. She was crying. "She has to be here. Th-this was the cave we found her in when she ran away from school the first time." "Are you sure?" asked a different voice, male this time. "Cassie?" cried my mother. The exact same tone seven years ago. Sounding heartbroken, but also like she couldn't care less at the same time. It was puzzling. But wait, did that mean- Did they ever even want to find me? They walked closer to me. I heard them, and froze. I watched as my mother's eyes widened as she saw me. "Cassie... there you are! Oh thank god you're safe..." she said as she stepped toward me. "I'm so sorry..." I whispered to her. Her face fell. "What do you mean? Cassie...?" I looked at her for a second, wondering. Wondering why. "Not this time." I told her. Without a second thought, I turned around and leaped through the sparkling rock. My hair stood on end. There was a bright flash. What have I done? And I fell into darkness. Author's Note To Equestria! I hope you guys enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it. Soooo... Cassie has jut figured out that she could have gone to Equestria all along. Hmmm. Smart. I need an editor... desperate... xD But - Equestria next chapter! Yay! I'm writing it now. I'm so exited!!!!! *squeals* Please comment and like... I would appreciate it so much ^^ Stay tuned!
3. Earthbound FeathersI woke up on the silvery sand of a beach. The waves washed over me lazily and the water was cold; sweet, crisp salt air wafted through my nostrils - it smelt weird. Clearer maybe? I guess that made no sense. Everything was beyond sense though. Because I had made it. I was pretty sure I had finally made it into Equestria. At first, all I could do was stare up at the night sky. The moon was white as silk, and the light it produced was incredible. The stars shone strongly, so much so that I could see their full shapes, glowing in the darkness. The air was warm and fresh; weird for an early spring night. Breezes ran over me, chilling me to the bone where the salt water was washing over me. I had to get up, otherwise I might drown. The night was low tide wasn't it? Is it low tide here now? I tried to move, but every single one of my limbs screamed with pain. I winced. My fingers and toes seemed numb. Trying to wiggle them just meant more throbbing. Something edged into my back. Huh? Why.. can't I... move? I thought, worried. Am I paralysed or something? But don't those paraplegic people never feel anything? I... I... whats going on? I closed my eyes, which was also painful, but it took me away from everything for a few moments. I made my mind clear and still. And all of sudden, the numbness started to ebb away. But I still couldn't feel my fingers... so I numbly lifted an arm up. I will never forget the feeling that rushed through me at the sight of my hand. Well, hoof... "Agh!" I screamed, then overbalanced in the sand and toppled over. Which, to be honest, was a feat in itself, seeing how my clothes now tangled around my long limbs, of which, ended with neat hooves. I muffled a few more screams, struggled in the too-big clothes and got a head full of sand for my slightly spastic troubles. I flopped my gangling head back and got a face full of thick hair. A mane. A mane?! What is this crazy world? Eventually, I stopped, and just laid there, my rasping, panicked breath breaking the tranquility of the waves. I... I'm a pony. How was I a pony? Surely that stupid amulet didn't transform me or something; how do I change back? I did not want to be a pony! Why was I a pony?! Hysteria slowly took over, and I rolled around on the ground in a panic. It took a rather large and aggressive wave to wash over me to snap me out of it. Calm down! Oh my god, Cassie. I sat there and gasped in air for a few moments and then wildly tried to compose myself - so, shaking myself out of it, I slowly and painfully began to give myself orders. Okay. First one. Now how do I get out of these clothes? Um... How was I supposed to do this? I didn't have any hands. Wait... my teeth. Damn. Firstly my skirt. That was easy enough. It was hanging loosely from my knees (or whatever they're called now...), and had a few strands of tail stuck to it. The rest of the tail was stuck up the shirt, which I pulled out easily. It was exactly like my normal, well, human hair, in the slight waves it portrayed. It also seemed the same chocolate brown color, but had several highlights through it. Although the moon was insanely bright, it was sort of hard to see by, so I wasn't completely sure. But it was fascinating. The tail also moved from side to side and up and down, and I swear I played with the silly thing for ten minutes, it was that entertaining. I also examined my fur. It seemed to be a pale tan color, and it covered everywhere; my neck, my legs, my bare flank and my stomach. Literally everywhere. It also sparkled with the sea salt forming on it that was from my drenching. I looked back at my flank. Was there supposed to be something there? I remembered once, when Tempera and I were talking about cutie marks. ******* "So when you fulfill your destiny, you will get a cutie mark!" said Tempera Glow excitedly. She looked at her blank flank and sighed. "I really wish I could get mine." "Really?" asked Cassie. "Do you really want a stamp on your butt? Is it like a tattoo, and it will never come off?" "Yeah." "My mum would kill me if I came home one day with a tattoo on my butt." retorted Cassie. Temp laughed. ******* It was unexplainable this stuff. It was weird. Its just... well, so strange to me, who has spent fourteen years of her life on two legs with hands, but it was also jarring in a way that I spent seven years of my life telling myself that this was not real. It made me sorta depressed. I was okay again soon after though; due to all the buttons and stuff on the stained white school shirt (which I would never in a million years be able to undo with my hooves), I had to basically rip it off. Although the sea salt the shirt was caked in tasted horrible, it gave me immense pleasure to rip my school uniform shirt to pieces. As I spat the last of it out of my mouth, I felt a rising pleasure coming up through my back. I heard a few bits of my spinal cord popping, which felt good, but sort of itchy. All of a sudden, my back was tingly... and I felt my back just unfold or something. I don't know. It may sound crazy, but I guess turning into a pony was even more so, so nothing was really was all that crazy anymore. I felt funny and also a little bit faint for a second, but then righted myself; I then swung my head around and looked. A beautiful sensation rolled up through me. Something I had never expected to ever be attached to, stared back at me. Wings. Oh sweet holy lord, I had wings! Craning my long neck around, I stared at them, and felt joy that I haven't felt for such a very long time. They were perfect. Although the feathers were salty and damp, they were amazingly defined, and each of them quivered in the moonlight, alive in their own way. They matched my tan fur color up to about half of the wing, and then started fading to my dark brown hair color at the tips of the feathers. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't just a pony. In fact, I was never just a pony. Yes; I, Cassie Quattuor, human turned horse... was a pegasus! Author's Note I hope you guys finished reading this thought OH MY GOD. I did; I could not believe I wrote it! I am feeling proud of myself, and just about to treat myself to a bar of chocolate ^^ Thank you to Lyx D for making the cover art! I present to you a... muffin! You deserve a special mention ;3 thank you so much! This is one of my favorite chapters, and I hope its yours too. But I'm so glad to finally have Cassie in Equestria - the real adventure begins very soon ;) So keep a lookout!
4. Falling SoloAfter watching the moon trace its way around the sky, I wondered if I should go. My new limbs were getting pins-and-needles, but I wasn't sure if I should venture off the beach, as there was a rather large forest standing behind it, looming dark and tall in the distance. I sighed, bored out of my mind. Even though it was obvious I wasn't going anywhere, I tried to stand up, just for something to do. And it was suprisingly hard. I had to first raise myself up on my forelegs, then try to get the strength in my back legs to do the same. At first I expected it to be easy, but my legs were pretty weak, and refused to do it entirely. It was also awkward, especially the first time, because I haven't really ever moved this way, as all of my bones and limbs were different lengths and sizes and in different places. It was exremely confusing. I had it after about an hour of failing. And that was just standing. Already, I missed my hands terribly, and it was obvious it was going to take a while to get used to my pegasus body. And the wings would totally not help, until I got some practice in, I suppose. I fanned them out in the moonlight and smiled. I had never even dreamt that I would have my own pair of wings one day. They were beautiful. But let me tell you, it's so weird to be able to move something that you have never had before. At first, I wasn't sure how to move my wings, but just sort of signalled my back to move them, and they moved. It was the same thing with my tail. Another whole new appendage to look out for and it hurt when I sat on it. I held myself up, and took a step forward. Sand met my face at practically one million miles per hour. Crap, I thought, looking at the awkward hooves on the end of my legs. That hurt. But I stood up again, and actually started to walk. Wow it was weird. I mean, I had been on a horse before, but it felt entirely different being the horse. All light, and bouncy. I then had the thought of someone riding me, and I snorted horsily. I laughed. I started to trot arond faster, my hooves sputing up sand. Faster. Faster. All of a sudden, I was cantering. I'm doing it! Yes I'm doing it! This is amazing! I felt lighter than air. The ground thudded beneath me. The amulet bounced crazily on my chest. I shreiked with joy. The feeling of running... as a pony was the best. I then tripped and went hurtling through the air. Crunch. I slowly got up, adrenaline running through me at a million miles per hour, and I whooped. "That... was.. AWESOME!" I felt fine and went over to sit down near my discarded school bag. Hungry, I shoved my muzzle in it. I pulled out a salad sandwhich and gulped it down. I was thirsty too, but there was no way I was going to be able to drink sea water. I retched at the thought. So I just lay my head down on my bag, and watched the starry sky. *** I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. The majestic golden sun and its day was starting to chase away the beautiful silver moon and the stars. This caused an explosion of pinks and golds and purples, and the sun finally won. The moon disappeared gracefully. That was... spectacular... The sunshine flooded the beach in golden light and washed over me warmly. I shook myself and got up awkwardly. I surveyed the area I was in. The beach was about 50 meters or so long, and the waves were small and shockingly blue. I saw dolphins leap out of the sea in the distance. Palm trees, varying in size, were dotted around everywhere. Birds flew overhead. The sun grew warmer. It was paradise. I looked over to the other side of the beach, and saw the forest I would have to go through. There was small cliffs on either side of the bay, and the only exits were the ocean or forests. I had to go that way to find Tempera. She lived in... Ponyville or something? I wasn't sure but I knew that I wold have to to through the forest. Don't ask why; I just knew. The forest had a small lake on the edge. I licked my pony lips thirstily. Fresh water? Maybe. Before I trotted over, I surprisingly easily shoved my backpack on. If I loosened the straps, it would easily fit over my wings. Grabbing it in my teeth, I slung it up over my back and spat out salt. Gross. But whatever - it was on at least. The shade of the forest enveloped me as I walked over to the lake. As I neared, I realised there was a smaller pond next to it. I went faster. The ponds appeared to be fed from an underground stream. It definitly didnt look salty. As a precaution, I stuck a hoof into the water, and brought it up to my muzzle. I sniffed it, ad then licked it off my hoof, all the while trying not to overbalance. The cool water caressed my mouth and I sighed happily. It was fresh! I shoved my head into the small pond and drank greedily. I sighed contentedly as I finished, and plopped down next to it. All of a sudden, I saw an image, a reflection in it. I moved forward a little bit and gasped. There was a scruffy tan pony staring back at me. Her large blue eyes remained unblinking. Her mouth hung open a little. Her ruffled wing feathers blew lightly in the breeze. This was me. I was the pony. I watched my mane blow in the wind. I had gotten it right from last night, as it was my same hair color as before. But there were four different highlights through it - green, blue, red and white. They were in my tail too. Where had they come from? Strange. There were feathers on random parts of my body, away from the wings, mostly on my chest, but they were salty and dry, much like the rest of me. I looked longingly at the other lake, then, discarding my bag, I jumped in, and started to clean the salt from my coat, mane and tail. I scrubbed with my hooves, and I was done. I sat in the sunshine to dry off, fanning myself with my wings. I went back to see if there had been any change. The reflection smiled back at me, her coat glossy and her mane, wings and tail soft and shiny. I then had a nervous drink from the smaller pond before I left. Left for the forest. *** The trees seemed to close in on me the moment I stumbled in. The smell of pine needles overwhelmed me, and I was surprised how amazing a pony's smell ability was. Everything seemed fresh. Strong. I started to wonder about if my plan that was going into the forest a smart and/or good one, but I shoved the thoughts out of my head as I hurried along. At first, I was following the sun through the trees, but then noticed that my amulet was glowing again. It started to glow harder every time I went in a south direction, one that was facing the sun. Is the amulet showing me where to go? As the sunlight was blocked by the trees, my legs kept stumbling over roots and stones and I realised that hooves were not exactly the best form of traction in the world. After I had tripped over the third time, I went slower, making sure that I deliberately picked up every hoof over the obstacles. It was getting more annoying and dark very quickly. Eventually I stopped and sat down against a black, gnarled tree to eat again. Sipping the water, my ears swiveled around my head. I flopped them up and down, back and forth and wiggle over and over again. Strange. As I started to get back up, I heard a sound. Sounds in the distance, coming from the west. Huh? The sounds were becoming louder and louder, until I could finally recognise what they were. I froze as they sounded again. Howls. Wolf howls. Oh no. This is bad. This is very bad. Closer and closer every second. The amulet started to glow again. I gasped. I heard them. I heard them panting as they run across the thick forest, searching for me. Searching for my blood. My heart was pounding in my ears so fast I almost didn't notice the wolf head poke out of the bushes. At least it looked like a wolf. But it was weird and wooden and had all these logs attached to it. It saw me standing there, shaking but frozen, and it pounced, screaming battle cries. I threw myself out of the way and bolted through the forest. My hooves thudded on the dry, blackened earth, and the tree branches whipped past my face. My wings hung heavily at my sides, giving me some very much so needed extra weight. Yay for me. I screamed as I saw the wolf leap over me, and land in front of me. I skidded to a stop and scrambled backwards away from it, whimpering, out of breath and energy. The amulet was glowing brightly. I cringed. Realising I was surrounded by trees that I would never be able to get through because of my new pony stature (so convenient right now), I just sat there. The wolf stalked toward me and yet again pounced. Not able to go anywhere, I let him fall on me. This was it. I sighed heavily. He then grabbed the amulet in his teeth. NO! I flared out my wings and hit him with my hooves. I tried to bite him and got a face full of bark; wincing, I pulled away. Wrong move. He clawed at my chest with full force and I screamed. Blood gushed out of the gaping wound and he reached for the amulet again. I swiped weakly, noticing I was starting to loose consciousness. As I sank unwillingly and painfully onto the ground, with the tree wolf lurking over me, I felt a chilling sensation.My eyes widened as I saw grass sprout up around my hoof. The grass tured into a daffodil plant, and then a tree. What...? All of a sudden, I felt something inside of me, and I heard the whispering of the trees, the feel of the soft grass around me, the sweet smell of spring. Closing my eyes, I saw a tree in my mind. The tree flared out beneath me, and I became part with it; one single beautiful creature. Power rushed from my head to the ends of my hooves. The whispering filled my head, drowning out the howling screams that were coming from the wolf. The screams intensified, then stopped altogether. I wearily opened my eyes. A huge tree was spiraling up from underneath my hooves. I spotted the wolf, with a sharp branch speared through its stomach, high up in the tree. Its mouth hung open, its tongue hanging loose. No... I weakly tried to drag myself away from it, but only got a a couple of meters before dark spots danced in my eyes. I collapsed fully, the power rush gone. That was me... I did that. I thought, staring up to the tree blindly. I felt the blood, my blood, oozing onto my forelegs. How... why did I do that...? Everything went black. Author's Note This took ages to write and I'm sorry for the lateness ^^ I really like the suspense I put in the last chapter! I hope you guys do too! Hmmm, Cassie. Something just happened to her, it's pretty mysterious. If you want a couple of clues, look back to her hair highlights and also her last name - that should start to give you some pointers. 'Til next time HollyB out!
5. Greenish LeavesI felt the brush of leaves on my face and the sweet smell of mint fill the air. The leaves were clouding my vision, so I brushed them away. As they fell to the ground, I gasped. The rain forest was green and inviting. The trees swung gently in the unseen breeze. A waterfall splashed happily in the distance. Small drops of water from the trees fell and plopped onto the ground next to me. Looking up, I saw a bird take flight from the tree. It's fronds swung awkwardly. Getting up, I realised that I was neither horse nor human. I was a mix of both, with both bodies and souls of both creatures. Mist flew around my feet. I was floating on nothing and everything. Looking up, I saw a beautiful woman standing before me. She was silent, her hair blowing in the breeze, giving off a soft green aura. She looked so powerful, but so gentle with her eyes sparkling, as green as new soft, green shoots and her misty, flowering robes flowing. She walked forward toward me. "Cassie Quattor... my child, you have come." she whispered, her voice like the smoothness of the flowers. Her soft, pale hand reached out and touched my forehead, and I sighed softly. "Who are you?" I asked her. She stepped back a little and sighed. "I am Gaia. Also known as Mother Earth." she said. "And I have been waiting for you." "What? Why... why have you been waiting for me?" I said awkwardly. "There are dark forces at work, Cassie." she smiled sadly. "Matters are out of our hands. The elements have had no choice but to flee." "Flee from what? What, Mother Gaia?" "You will find out for yourself. I cannot tell you now... you must find it out. But Cassie..." she winced a little bit and all of a sudden, her features started to melt. Leaves whirled around her, burying her in a storm. I shied back, a pony again. My hooves clattered on the rock I was standing on. The leaves died down and she stepped out of the storm as a pony. She was even more beautiful, her long misty green mane and tail dotted with pink flowers, her tan fur long and silky, without wings. Vines twirled around her legs. She winced and sank down into the ground. I rushed over and sat down next to her. "Cassie... I am dying. We are all dying. Our time is over, and we were too vulnerable. Too vulnerable, so they got us." she sighed and shifted a little. "My child, you are one of the most important souls in all the universes right now. You are so special..." she whispered quietly, placing her hoof on my cheek. "You are the only one that can save the universe. Equestria. Earth. Everywhere." "But how.. why are you... what do I do?" "You will know child." "But please Mother...." "You are the Savior. Find the Elements of Friendship, the Princesses and the One Who Seeks. Then find the rest of my elements. You must do this." "But how.. who are they?" I asked, as she ran a hoof through my mane. She silently picked out a clump of hair and showed it to me. A dull green highlight. I then watched, astounded, as the green sprang to life, and leaves sprouted up out of the thick hair, then disappeared suddenly. The green was now bright as a forest. Plucking a pink flower out of her mane, Gaia placed it in mine. The sweet smell enveloped me. I looked at the pony, who then reached out her hoof to touch my amulet. "Go now, my Flower Child" she whispered, and placed the hoof on the white gem. And she disappeared as everything exploded into a tornado of green leaves. *** The smell of antiseptic burnt my nostrils, and I sluggishly sniffed. It reminded me of the smell of a hospital, like the one that I went to after I broke my arm when I fell off the monkey bars. I heard beeping, and a rustling near me. I slowly opened my eyes. I looked around the room. I was in a hospital. The pillow behind me made a crinkly sound and the sheet was too warm. I kicked it with my hooves awkwardly, but it wouldn't budge, and my arms and legs flopped everywhere. Am... am I drugged? I asked myself, my brain foggy. Where am I... am I out of the forest? I felt a sharp pain reach through me as I tried to move. Memories flooded back through me and I looked down at my chest. Sure enough, there were stitches all the way along the wolf wound. I grimaced. The amulet lay limply on my chest. I heard hoofsteps and looked up. A pretty pale yellow pony walked in, with a small cap and apron with a little red cross on it. She had neither a horn or wings. Her blue and pink tail bobbed perkily. "You're up!" she said happily upon seeing me staring at her with my eyes only half open. My vision was hazy as well, and I felt sleepy. She trotted over, wrote something on a small clipboard at the foot of my bed (how she gripped that pen, I will never know) and smiled at me. "Are you feeling better? None of us really know what happened to you, but that was a pretty nasty gash." she said, looking at the stitches. "But it's looking alot better now, especially since Nurse Redheart sewed that up herself, and she is one of the best nurses here." She watched me for a moment, then said, "Would you like anything?" "Ughbey washna?" was all I could say. Frowning, I tried again, but my lips just would not work. They seemed to flap uselessly over my face. I looked up at her and gave her a confused 'sorry' look. "Oh, yes!" she said suddenly. "Sorry. We had to give you painkillers. They will wear off in a while though. But you might feel a little bit sluggish and tired for a while Miss ....?" "Cathsy... Casty... Cassie. Cassie." I stuttered out. "Okay then Cassie. You should probably have a rest for now, you really need it, okay?" "O..thay. Kay." I frowned. This was annoying, but was starting to wear off. The nurse started to walk out of the room. "Wait!" She turned around. "Yes?" "Watther?" "Water?" she smiled. "Yesh. Uhh... tank you Nurse...?" I stuttered, not knowing her name. "Bon Bon." she said, and slipped out of the room. *** I felt much better later. Although the wound still hurt like anything, I was relieved that I could (sort of) talk again. Bon Bon sat there with me for the rest of the day as it wore off. She was an amazingly optimistic pony, and she talked about everything. At least she didn't ask any questions. After the awkwardness before, I was happy to keep my muzzle shut. She seemed to understand, and kept talking, stopping to get me lunch from the kitchen and occasionally a glass of water. Thankfully, she placed it on the bedside table where I sucked it up with a straw. I definitely would never be able to pick up anything with my hooves. Finally, after about three hours of her talking, I asked her something. "Uhhhmmm... how did I get here exactly?" She looked up, startled to see me speak something that wasn't in gibberish. "You were found unconscious in the Everfree." she replied. "Rainbow Dash, one of our lead weather ponies found you while flying over it and saw that you needed some medical attention pretty fast. She bought you over here as soon as. Half dead you were too..." she grimaced. "But why didn't you fly over the Everfree? Were you hit or something?" "I... um.." Bon Bon looked worried for a second. "Cassie, you can tell me anything, you know." I looked at her and sighed. I looked at the ceiling, trying not to meet her eyes. "I... I can't fly..." I whispered, before breaking into tears, for no reason. It was embarrassing, I know. I cried like a baby. Bon Bon said nothing as she gathered me into her neck, my large wings hugging her back, where I violently sobbed for minutes. She smoothed my mane softly. Eventually, embarrassed, I drew back. I heard a gasp. I looked up and saw her staring at me with her mouth wide open. She looked down at my leg. Puzzled, I did as well. A beautiful tattoo of a green vine stretched up from my hoof to my flank, where it ended with a large pink flower, maybe a rose. The vine spiraled up and around my left back leg, with leaves and flower buds attached to it. The tattoo was so bright I could have sworn it was real. "That is amazing. Is that your cutie mark?" asked an astounded Nurse Bon Bon. "It... is." I replied shakily. I was certain, even though I hadn't even seen it before. But wasn't it supposed to do with my destiny or something? I thought, thinking back to Tempera Glow's words. Tempera! I had completely forgotten about her! "It's so beautiful. I've never seen anything like it..." She went quiet, then stared at hers, three sweets, then back at mine, a little envious. I wanted to touch the rose with a hoof, to make sure it was real. And all of a sudden, as I touched it, I knew was that Gaia, the Element of Earth, was dead. Author's Note Sorry guys, this too AGES to write... and I had too much homework, which didn't help at all!! Grrr... There is'nt much progress i this chapter so if you were expecting more sorry.... And heres an artwork by me, with cassie! If you were wondering what she looked like... this is her first night on the beach. But some people have guessed right! Cassie now has the power of the element of earth.... although she doesn't realise it just yet. The others are soon to come later, when she finally ventures off. A MASSIVE TRUTH ABOUT TEMP IN THE NEXT CHAPTER!!! STAY TUNED!!
6. The Silenced MagicAs I fell to the ground, the earth spun around me. I heard the distant sound of Bon Bon's shout and hooves clattering away, out of the door. And I saw Gaia dying again and again. I watched, unable to make a sound, unable to look away, unable to think, as Gaia slumped to the ground, a storm of leaves covering her - a final tribute. Again and again and again. I watched, unable to breathe as the darkness surrounded my body, and Gaia's eyes went entirely lifeless, her heart and soul gone, like flowers in the winter. As she went down, the beautiful forest crumbled. The leaves wilted and fell off the trees; the waterfall exploded like a geyser; the brightly colored birds plummeted to the earth. One by one, the flowers left Gaia's dull green mane, and in one small flash of magic, she returned to the lifeless and dead form of a human. Her eyes saw nothing but pain as they shut forever. I screamed and covered my ears with my hooves. Gaia was dead. Dead, dead, dead. And the horror dawned on me. She had touched the amulet. The cutie mark. It was her. NO! I never... please no! No no no no! I screamed in my head, the images flashing in my brain again and again. The conclusion was always the same thing. It was all my fault. I had killed her. I had killed Gaia, the mother of Earth. I sunk deeper into the darkness and sobbed. I fell onto the ground, my hooves clattering. My wings, earthbound again, automatically opened. I went crazy. I grabbed feathers in my teeth and ripped, the pain stifling my senses of guilt and pain and the longing to fly. I tore and grinded and ripped my feathers out in a fury, cursing and shouting at myself. "I don't even deserve them! I'm not even a pony! I am nothing but an insignificant little dreamer, spoilt and I... I'm suffering! I killed Gaia, and here I am nothing... even on my other world I am.. was nothing. Please..." I pleaded up to the darkness. "Just kill me now." But no; nothing would ever take me now. I was a pegasus, who was too terrified to open her wings and fly, and for that, consequences came. An idiot, who was nothing at all. "Please..." I croaked. The darkness finally obliged and swallowed me up. *** I woke up to the sound of beeping. The room was dim and I realised I was still in the hospital. I had imagined for a second that I was five again and I was waking up to go to school and walk with Maddie. The beautiful feeling of warm blankets and friendship faded into a dark recess of my mind. I sighed. A pony was sitting on a chair next to my bed. She looked tired. Clearing my fuzzy mind, I saw it was Bon Bon. "Bon Bon....? Wha... what happened?" I whispered hoarsely. She snapped her head up, and upon seeing me, her face broke out into a relieved smile. She got to her feet, and not wearing her nurses uniform, she trotted over. "Are you okay?" she demanded. "You were fine, but then you had a total breakdown and..." she paused, seeing my concern. "I.. I don't know what happened. What did I do?" I looked at her. Flinching, she said something about how it wasn't the right time to tell me. "What happened...? Please Bon..." I whispered. Why wouldn't she tell me? "It isn't the right time to tell you..." "What?" "You're still recovering." "Bon Bon." I said, my voice getting firmer. "Tell. Me. Now." Her eyes widened, and she took a step backward. Her hooves clopped on the ground, the sound mingling with her sharp intake of breath. "Cassie, you had a stroke." My mind reeled backwards and I stared at Bon Bon in disbelief. How did....? What? "It was very sudden and very dangerous. To be honest, you are very lucky to be alive." she muttered, grimacing at my expression. "How long was I gone for?" I asked with mounting dread. "Four days...." "What?!" I had to go! I had to find... Gaia told me... "Cassie, we will talk about this later. You need to rest." said Bon Bon. I started to clamber awkwardly out of bed, saying, "No!" I glanced down at my wolf caused wound as it stung, and winced. Bon Bon took a step forward, pushing me back to the bed. I fought back, and then hit her in the face. She gasped as she let her hooves go to her muzzle, where blood was pouring out of the nostrils. I raced to the door, my wings fluttering frantically. I pulled at the door handle with my teeth, unsure how to open it with hooves. The cold metal stung the insides of my mouth as I tugged at it, knowing that I had to get out, and honor Gaia's name. She had died for me. Your fault. It's all your fault. This filled me with a new determination and depression, and I turned around and bucked the door open. It flew off it's hinges, crashing into the hallway wall across from it. Wow. I definitely wouldn't be able to do that back home... I thought, thinking of my useless, slow human legs. Wait, why are you not running? You have to go! Bon Bon wheezed and then came after me, but was too slow as I zipped out of the door and was running down the white tiled hallway. I heard shouting, and nurses and other ponies were chasing me, the hooves on the cold tiles making a deafening, thunderous roar. Even so, I grinned. Running is one of the best things I could ever experience right then. I needed it, like Celestia, the sun, or Luna and the moon. Images filled my head, one of a shimmering, blinding white alicorn and one a pitch-black night colored alicorn. Sisters. Wait... are they the princesses? How did I... I haven't even heard of them before! All of a sudden, one last image disturbed the peaceful alicorns. A hurting, vengeful monster roared in my mind, then vanished in a puff of black smoke. I blinked in surprise, and shied a little to the right, almost crashing into a cart, which was only narrowly avoided by leaping to the left. You need to get out of here! Stay focused! I told myself, looking for some sign of an exit. Looking back, I saw that they were right on my tail. Literally. Run! I screamed silently. Just as I was tackled to the ground. Ponies crowded around me, standing over me as I struggled beneath the weight of four stallions. "Please! I have to go... please! Everyone's in danger.... please, just listen to me!" I cried. Bon Bon appeared, her nose stained with blood. Sitting down next to me, she smoothed down my messed up mane. "Shhhh now" she said. They think I'm crazy! I struggled, knowing that if I didn't get free... well... Gaia would have died for nothing. I screamed and pushed them off me. Thorns raked through my mind as the ground erupted in a burst of fury, soil flying. Leaves pushed up into poison flowers and the vines twisted and turned, trapping anything in its path. The line of anger from my mind flowed into the ground from my hooves, covering and killing everything. Leaves spread over their path to me, blocking my pursuers. I knew it was my chance to get out. So I ran, the screams of ponies catching my breath. And then skidded to a halt. Hundreds of nurses and guards stood at the entrance to the hospital. What do I do? This... this is a nightmare.... "Kill them." said a voice in my head. "You have the power. Just look" Looking back, I saw the wave of destruction, and hoofprints. My hoofprints. Where grass had sprouted up through tiled floor where I had ran. "No!" cried another. "You know that Gaia would never want you to do that with her power. Please, please don't harm anyone. Well anypony. You know what I mean...." I smiled. That was me. The real me would never harm anyon... uh, pony. See, that was even my delightful awkwardness and ignorance coming through the guilt and anger. Backing up, I surveyed the scene. At least one-hundred ponies stood there. Several looked like they had guns. I started to feel the beautiful, earthy powers build up inside me. This time, not as vengeful as last time, just curious and ready. I was able to control it now. Good. I didn't want to kill any...pony. "I... I... um.." I choked out, stuttering nervously. I was then startled backwards as a lone orange pegasus shot up out of the crowd and toward me. I tried to power up and protect myself, but he was just too fast. As my powers were about to flow, he shot me in the chest with a long silver bullet. My powers combined with the metal in my chest, and the pain in my chest was replaced by searing warmth. Looking down, I saw my chest wound being wrapped by vines and leaves. They disappeared as long with the wound. All that remained was a faint green scar, the amulet glowing. I heard gasps. I touched the bullet still lodged there, just above the new scar. Wait... not a bullet, a needle. Oh no. It was a tranquiliser. Everything faded into nothing. *** I opened my eyes up to a white unicorn mare standing over me. There was nothing around us, only darkness, only her. "Where... am I?" I asked her, unsure of what to say or even do. "I don't know! You tell me!" she replied sharply. Her voice was so familiar, but I just couldn't pick it. "Uhhhh... what?" "I said, I don't know! Dang, don't you even listen?" she replied, stepping back. I stared. Seeing her fully, my mind refused to comprehend. The red mane; the aqua-blue fur going up half her legs; the slight, 'I can't be bothered' tone to her voice. No wonder she sounded different, the last time I had seen her, she was just a hopeful filly. I stepped forward and pulled her into a massive hug. "Tempera... Tempera Glow, god have I missed you..." I whispered into her mane. Seeing her stepping out of my embrace, and the confused look on her face saying, 'Should I know you?", made me cry out. "Do...don't you remember me?" I asked, quivering a little. "Um, well, should I?" "You don't know me. After all this..." I turned away, feeling a tear slide down my cheek. "Who are you then?" "Temp... please..." I saw her ears perk up at the sound of her nickname I had given to her long ago. "...please believe me. I'm Cassie." "Cassie? Cassie was never a pony. I would have made her one, but it was..." she paused. "You are not Cassie. It's not even any of your business anyway. Leave her be." "I can prove it to you! Please Temp..." I said, watching her flinch at the nickname. "You were - are my best friend. I have spent my whole life, hoping and waiting for you and you never came. You ruined my life but I never gave up on you. Just please..." I pleaded. "Just hear me out." I saw her flare up angrily. "Your life ruined?! I..." "Please!" She snorted huffily. Hurt brimmed in her eyes. I reached into my mane with a hoof and tugged the warmth out, letting it fall with a thud to the ground. Tempera Glow looked up and gasped. Walking over to the amulet on the ground, she pulled off an object fitted securely on her horn. A flash of silver and deep blue jolted my memories. A sapphire laden bracelet fell to the ground, and came to a rest next to the amulet. She ran to me and threw her hooves around my neck, burying her face into my tan fur. "It's you. It's really you!" she sobbed. "How did... why?" "You came back? But why didn't you tell me? I... I thought-" I said sheepishly. She took a step back, sniffing a little. "No, no." she said, gesturing at me. "This first." I looked down at my hooves and then spoke- "I think it was the amulet. I went through the portal. I was definitely not expecting this, especially the wings...." "You have wings?!" she shrieked, turning me around. "Wow...!" she pawed at them happily. I realised they were clinging to my sides for once. Strange. I spotted something on her flank. It was a pencil, and a heart I think. A cutiemark... "And you have your cutiemark! Wow! How did you get that?" I asked, grinning. She smiled, looking up at me. "Well... it's a long story..." "Tell me!" I pleaded. "Hmmmm... well I knew you would come to Equestria! I just knew it, Cassie." she smiled. Avoiding the question. Weird. "Do you like it? It's an amazing place." Thinking of the hospital, I stammered, "Well, uh, totally, but where do I find you?" I asked, also changing the topic. She would tell me later for sure. "Are you still in Ponyville? Or did you move?I have nowhere to go... so.. uh..." I stopped seeing her face scrunch into a look of sadness. Betrayal and loneliness flashed in her sea-blue eyes. "You... you don't know?" she whispered, gazing up at me. "Wha... what?" "That night. The one when we last saw each other..." Her silky tone gave me the chills. I looked away. "What?" I asked softly. I looked into her beautiful eyes for a second. Something had happened to her, I just knew it. You could never keep a secret from a friend. She sighed. "Cassie..." Tempera Glow whispered. "I never got back to Equestria. I was trapped on Earth." Author's Note I'm sorry for how late this was guys. I've recently broken my leg, and thus, did not have time to write. Another, is that I really want the chapters to go longer, like this one So, how did you like this chapter? TOOK ME AGES, but Iove it! So this is where Temp has been all this time? *gasp* Very sad and sorta emotional scene I pulled there, what do you think? Hmmm... well, 'til next time... Stay tuned!
